Being the only Slytherin in a household full of Gryffindors left Emilia Costello feeling an outcast even on her first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. So, odds only proved worse for her when she was forced to endure the endless tor...
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"Honestly Darius if I have to wait any longer I just might explode!" I shout outside my older brother's door, too excited to get on the express and start my fifth year at Hogwarts to wait for him and his habitually-slow self.
I raise my fist to rap on the door again when it finally slides open.
Darius's intelligent, calculating, hazel-eyed stare is fixed on me.
"I decided to take my time packing my trunk today." He grins teasingly. I make a show of rolling my eyes, before slipping down the hallway and standing next to my trunk, which was already waiting for me by the front door for hours.
"Dari-"
"Let's go!" He interrupts, coming around the corner at a rather fast pace.
Our father smiles at the pair of us as he ushers us out the door. A strong breeze blows the curly raven locks out of my face, and I feel a slight ache staring at the beautiful expanse of prairie grass and wildflowers that glitter a soft, heartwarming gold when bathed in sunlight.
I always miss this place the most when I'm just about to leave.
Father stands between us and takes our hands. We quickly apparate to King's Cross Station, and I ignore the queasy feeling given by the means of quick transportation.
"Hurry, you're already late!" Father exclaims. Darius and I rush forward, barely conscious of our carts which bump, shift, and shake with every hurried footstep.
I barely slow as I approach platforms 9 and 10, thinking nothing of it as I slip through the thick brick column that will take me to platform 9 3/4.
When I get inside, I pause and stand silently in front of the train, tapping my foot as my father says his quick goodbyes to Darius, paying little attention. I know he intends to speak to me too, but I'm rather preoccupied with worry that we'll miss the train.
"Emilia?" He asks quietly, and my cheeks redden as I realize his thoughtful gaze has shifted over to me. He obviously noticed I hadn't been paying much attention.
"Goodbye, father." I smile quickly, kissing his cheek. He nods, pride in his eyes.
"Go ahead. I know you're eager." Father grins. I turn away with a mirrored grin on my face and push my cart forward, ready to board.
"I'll see you both at Christmas! I love you!" He calls after us. Darius teasingly bumps into me and enters the train first, to which I roll my eyes again.
He turns into a random compartment and I look in after him, hoping I might see a certain trio of friends I'd secretly missed so much.
Happiness stirs in my chest at the familiar sight of a green-eyed, raven-haired boy, a bright-red haired, goofy looking boy, and my curly-haired best friend.
